Phale said this in Machinga on Thursday, when he visited Ntaja Health Center and Machinga district hospital to appreciate how the two facilities are operating.

The deputy minister also visited Chinguni Primary School evacuation camp, where flood survivors are being held.

He said his ministry is working with Machinga District Council and Press Trust to upgrade Ntaja Health Center as it receives a lot of patients.

"This is a good time to start upgrading health centers like the Ntaja which is located in a highly populated area in the district. My ministry is committed to upgrade such facilities to serve a majority of people," said Phale.

Meanwhile, Paramount Chief Kawinga, has expressed excitement to the plans, saying his people have waited for such an upgrade.

He added that traveling from Ntaja to Machinga District Hospital in Liwonde has been putting lives of seriously ill patients at risk.

"I am excited with the news, I pray it goes to pass, as my people face challenges to travel to Machinga District Hospital which is far from here," noted Kawinga.